Chronic Illness

8

1) often have multiple causes, including ppl's behavioral choices or lifestyles 2) slow onset and disease intensity increases over time 3) prolonged conditions that do not resolve spontaneously 4) typically can only be managed

50% younger ppl have acute usually

Greater emphasis on improving quallity of life/dealing with it

Will develop 1 chronic condition over lifetime

1) physical functioning 2) psychological status 3) social functioning 4) disease- or treatment-related symptomatology * based on life-span, little attention to psych problems

*cope with direct physical effects of illness *treatment can impair aspects of health and/or functioning *management of meds side effects *changes in physical funcionality *adjustment to disease progression

* initial sense of shock * disbelief * denial * anger (mostly younger ppl) * anxiety (usually decreases with adjustment) * depression (bc loss of control; stroke, heart disease, cancer, multiple illnesses) * changes in self-concept and self-esteem

* management of social isolation (they withdraw or others withdraw) * preservation and redifnition of relationships * financial problems/employment

* change health-related behavior * adherence to medication regimens and treatments * coping efforts

* healthy lifestyle change * improved close relatinships * greater appreciation of health and life * change in personal life priorities * a second chance * greater knowledge about health * improved empathy

Positive

Cognitive appraisal coping with the illness and treatment: symptoms/disability, hospital or medical procedures, medical professionals psychosocial functioning: negative feelings, positive self-image and sense of competence, positive relationships with family and friends * optimism

Ppl use fewer active (problem focused) and more passive strategies BUT, prob-focused works better (seeking social support and gathering info)

Having sense you can control things associatge with illness: greater psychosocial; more prob-focused coping